Railpath

The West Toronto Railpath is an exciting project to create a multi-use trail along the eastern edge of the Metrolinx Kitchener GO rail corridor that runs beside Sorauren Park.

The northern part of the trail, from the Dundas/College bridge north to Cariboo Avenue, was completed in 2009.

The final design has been completed for the southern portion, from the Dundas/College bridge past the park to Queen Street and eventually Stanley Park, connecting to the new pedestrian/trail bridge crossing the rail lines into Garrison Common/Fort York, and hence to the waterfront.

Construction is expected to start in 2022, pending budget approval and other rail expansion corridor work being undertaken by Metrolinx.

Proposed route of southern Railpath extension, from the 2014 study. Click for enlarged view.

How does it affect Sorauren Park?

To continue the trail south, a pedestrian/trail bridge must be built to cross over the Barrie GO line, near No Frills.

The opportunity exists to create a spur off the top of the pedestrian/trail bridge into Sorauren Park, connecting the west side and east side of the tracks with a multi-use trail.

New Rail Path bridges would maintain the saffron orange scheme of existing bridges. Rendering from City of Toronto/MontgomerySisam.

The 2014 West Toronto Railpath Extension Phase 2 Planning and Design Study included designs showing the opportunity for connecting Sorauren Park. These have been reiterated in the 2019 update, and the April 2021 project update. The Barrie Line bridge will be constructed such that it is “future-proofed” for a future bridge to Sorauren Park.

Metrolinx and the City of Toronto are working on the Railpath extension. Many community groups, including the Friends of the West Toronto Railpath, are advising the planners.

Diagram shows concept for Railpath bridge into Sorauren Park. Final design, placement and funding still to be determined.

The jog in the trail shows where the bridge would cross the Barrie GO line. It would be built to accommodate future bridge into Sorauren Park, indicated in the diagram labels. Click for enlarged view.

It’s important for residents interested in the connection to Sorauren Park to attend community meetings and make your views known.

Meeting notices will be posted on SoraurenPark.com, on our social media feeds @SoraurenPark (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and through our email newsletter. You can also sign up directly for West Toronto Railpath news at the City of Toronto website.